FOREST GENETIC RESOURCES
By Anton Antonio
February 12, 2016
Forest genetic resources have traditionally been managed by
Mother Nature… the wind, the unassuming bee and other insects have plucked and
delivered pollens from one flower to another is part of this natural
process. Man, being the most intelligent
being in the animal kingdom, and his science, however, started to dip his
fingers on this process. This is not at
all wrong and this must be shared, managed and protected on a sustainable
basis.
To increase our knowledge and awareness, here is a
researched material on forest genetic resources… “Forest genetic resources or
tree genetic resources are genetic material of shrub and tree species of actual
or future value. Forest genetic
resources are essential for forest-depending communities who rely for a
substantial part of their livelihoods on timber and non-timber forest products
(for example fruits, gums and resins) for food security, domestic use and
income generation. These resources are
also the basis for large-scale wood production in planted forests to satisfy
the worldwide need for timber and paper.
Genetic resources of several important timber, fruit and other
non-timber tree species are conserved ex situ in genebanks or maintained in
field collections. Nevertheless, in situ
conservation in forests and on farms is in the case of most tree species the
most important measure to protect their genetic resources. A better understanding of the diversity of
these species is crucial for their sustainable use and conservation. Monitoring of patterns of distribution and
genetic diversity of these species allows the prioritization of populations for
in situ conservation, identification of populations and species most at risk
and existing gaps in genebank collection.
Also available in French and Spanish.
This is vital information which helps tackle global challenges such as
food security and climate change. In
2014, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations published the
first State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources. The publication addressed the conservation,
management and sustainable use of forest tree and other woody plant genetic
resources of actual and potential value for human well-being in the broad range
of management systems. It was prepared
based on information provided by 86 countries, outcomes from regional and
subregional consultations, and commissioned thematic studies. Amongst the ten key findings, half of the
forest species reported as regularly utilized by countries are threatened by
the conversion of forest to pastures and farmland, overexploitation, and the
impacts of climate change. On the basis
of the information and knowledge compiled by FAO for the State of the World’s
Forest Genetic Resources, the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and
Agriculture developed the Global Plan of Action for the Conservation,
Sustainable Use and Development of Forest Genetic Resources. This Global Plan of Action identified 27
strategic priorities grouped into 4 areas: (1) improving the availability of,
and access to, information on forest genetic resources; (2) conservation of
forest genetic resources (in situ and ex situ); (3) sustainable use,
development and management of forest genetic resources; (4) policies, institutions
and capacity-building.” (Wikipedia)
There are admirable initiatives, which must be fully
supported, that aim to develop, manage and protect forest genetic resources.
Thoughts to
promote positive action…
(Please
visit, like and share Pro-EARTH Crusaders on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/
and http://twitter.com/EarthCrusader/)
REFERENCE:
Wikipedia, (2016).
“Forest Genetic Resources”.
Retrieved on February 12, 2016 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_genetic_resources
Best free spins casino online
ReplyDeleteBest free spins casino online 4k youtube to mp3 - Find out how to play and win real money here at Video We also offer slots, poker, blackjack, keno, roulette and more with the